Mechanical properties of 3D printed micro-nano rice husk/polylactic acid filaments

In this study, micro-nano rice husks (MNRH) fibers are compounded in polylactic acid (PLA) to produce 3D-printed filaments by using melt blending method, and some properties of the printed samples of different surface treatment processes are measured. Two silane coupling agents of KH550 and KH570 are severally used on MNRH and PLA to mitigate the surface quality deficiencies for an intimate interfacial bond. Microstructural analysis shows that the MNRH fibers of the composites treated by silane coupling agent have a better dispersing performance. Fourier transform infrared illustrates that the KH550 and KH570 are successfully grafted onto PLA and MNRH fibers. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DSC) suggests that the thermostability and crystallinity of the composites treated by silane coupling agents are enhanced. Water absorption experiments shows that the water resistance of the composites is greatly increased by KH550 and KH570. In comparison with pure PLA, the tensile strength, tensile modulus, bending strength and bending modulus of the 6 wt.% MNRH/PLA composites that treated by KH550 and KH570 are enhanced by 83%, 98%, 54%, and 61%, respectively. The composites treated by KH550 and KH570 demonstrates the best performance, suggesting that they have great potential for use as an environmentally friendly alternative material in automotive interiors.

Automated summary

This study investigated the use of micro-nano rice husks (MNRH) fibers compounded with polylactic acid (PLA) to produce 3D-printed filaments. The addition of silane coupling agents improved the surface quality and enhanced the dispersing performance of the MNRH fibers in the composites. The treated composites exhibited improved thermal stability, crystallinity, and water resistance. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the composites, including tensile strength and bending strength, were significantly enhanced. The findings suggest that the treated composites have great potential for use as environmentally friendly alternative materials in automotive interiors.